Best Plug-In Doorbell: No Batteries, Just Reliable Performance

Plug in doorbells are a dependable and easy way to know when someone is at your door without having to worry about changing batteries.

In this post, we’ll examine how plug in doorbells function, their benefits, the things you should consider when choosing one, how to install them, and make a recommendation of one of the best plug-in video doorbell cameras available on the market.

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How Does a Plug-In Doorbell Work?

Plug in doorbell operates on power drawn directly from a low-voltage transformer that is wired into your electrical system. When the button is pressed, it completes an electrical circuit that triggers the chime and any other devices connected, like a video doorbell camera.

The transformer turns your 120-volt home AC power into a lower voltage, usually 16 to 24-volt AC. This is low voltage and safer for a doorbell system. The transformer wiring is hooked up to the front door button and the chime unit in the home. The electric circuit is completed when the button is pressed, allowing electricity to flow through the wires and make the chime go off.

Plug-in doorbells don't require any batteries since they draw continuous power from the transformer. This makes them extremely reliable since you never have to worry about recharging or replacing batteries.

Why a Plug-In Wireless Doorbell is a Smart Choice?

There are several advantages to choosing a plug-in wireless doorbell camera over a battery-powered one:

• Continuous power means no risk of missing visitors due to dead batteries
• More reliable performance in extreme weather conditions
• Unlimited video recording and advanced features since power isn't limited
• Easy installation without needing to drill holes or run wires
• Flexible placement of buttons and cameras since components just need to be within WiFi range

In short, plug-in doorbells offer round-the-clock power for unlimited, uninterrupted operation. You'll never miss a visitor or delivery due to a drained battery again.

What to Consider When Choosing Plug-In Doorbells?

When selecting a plug-in video doorbell camera, there are a few key features to consider:

Chime options

The doorbell’s plug-in option gives you two options for connecting the chime that sounds when your doorbell is pressed - you can connect to your existing wired chime inside your home or use a wireless chime included with the doorbell kit. A wireless chime can be placed anywhere within range of the doorbell and moved around as needed.

If you want to reuse an existing wired chime, a plug-in model will connect to those wires. However, a wireless chime allows more flexibility in the position of the audible alert. Consider if you prefer tying into your current wired chime or taking advantage of a wireless chime's flexibility.

Video quality

Video quality is an important consideration when selecting a plug-in video doorbell, as it determines the level of detail you will be able to see in recorded clips and live views. Plug-in doorbell cameras range from 720p resolution on the lower end up to 2K, 4K, and higher on high-end models. Higher 1080p and 2K resolutions will provide clearer and more detailed video footage, while lower 720p has smaller file sizes that take up less memory storage.

If seeing fine details like faces and license plates clearly is a priority, choose a higher-resolution camera. However, if storage space or bandwidth is limited, a lower-resolution model may be the better fit. Think about the level of detail you want to capture when determining video resolution needs.

Two-way audio

A useful feature available on some plug-in doorbell cameras is two-way audio. This allows you to not only see visitors at your door through the video feed but also talk with them using the doorbell's built-in microphone and speaker. You can communicate through the doorbell using your smartphone app from anywhere.

Two-way doorbell adapter audio provides added security by allowing you to screen visitors before opening the door, as well as added convenience by enabling conversations even when you're not home. If clear communication with visitors is a priority, look for a plug-in doorbell with two-way audio.

Smart home integration

Many modern plug-in doorbells can integrate with smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This smart home integration allows you to view live feeds from your plug-in doorbell on smart displays throughout your house.

You can also set up automation routines triggered by the doorbell, like flashing lights when the bell is rung. If you already use a smart home ecosystem, look for a plug-in doorbell camera that works with your system to enable whole-home monitoring and automation.

Best Wireless Plug-In Doorbell Camera in the Market

One of the top recommended plug-in smart doorbells is the Reolink Doorbell WiFi. This 5MP camera delivers stunning 2K+ video quality with a wide field of view. It has convenient two-way audio so you can speak with visitors, along with customizable motion alerts.

The Reolink Doorbell WiFi works on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi for optimal connectivity. It has intelligent person detection to reduce false alerts. Video can be recorded in the MicroSD card or on a Reolink NVR for local storage.

If you don’t have a power outlet near your front door, a battery-powered wireless doorbell could be a great solution. The new Reolink Battery Doorbell is an excellent option, offering a wire-free design with 4MP resolution and smart features like two-way audio and detection for people, vehicles, and packages.

How to Set Up the Plug-In Doorbell Transformer and Chime?

Installing a plug-in doorbell is straightforward, with the right plug in transformer for doorbell and wiring setup. Follow these steps:

1. Purchase a compatible plug in doorbell transformer with the correct voltage for your doorbell (usually 16-24V). Mount it near an indoor electrical outlet.
2. Connect the transformer wires to your existing internal doorbell wiring. If you don't have internal wires, connect the wires from the transformer directly to the doorbell camera and chime.
3. Mount the indoor plug in doorbell chime according to the manufacturer's directions and connect wires from the transformer.
4. Mount the outdoor doorbell camera near your door as desired and connect the wires from the transformer.
5. Connect the doorbell camera to your WiFi network and sync it with the mobile app.
6. Customize any final settings like motion alerts, video settings, smart home connections, and more.

Your plug-in doorbell system should now be fully operational! Test it by pressing the doorbell button and verifying that the video and audio works as expected.

FAQs

Can you plug-in a doorbell?

Yes, most modern video doorbell cameras can be plugged directly into a doorbell transformer as their power source. This avoids the need for batteries. Just make sure the transformer outputs the correct voltage required by the doorbell.

Do plug-in doorbells have batteries?

No, a plug-in doorbell does not require batteries since it gets continuous power from a wired low-voltage transformer. This makes them more convenient and reliable than battery-powered models.

Do I need an electrician to wire a doorbell?

Usually not, as long as you have existing doorbell wiring. You can connect a plug-in transformer to this wiring yourself in most single-family homes. For new wiring or multifamily buildings, consulting an electrician is recommended.

Conclusion

Video doorbells without changing batteries offer you reliable performance and convenient features. When choosing one, the video should be crisp and high resolution, the smart home integration should be smart, the chimes should be customizable, and the two-way audio should be clear.

The Reolink WiFi Doorbell is a top choice. You can have unlimited power for your smart doorbell with a simple transformer and wiring setup. If you have any other questions about choosing and installing plug-in doorbell cameras, let us know!